Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is doing an extensive study of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Here are notes to Session 8. In Session we finished the Manifestation Gifts of Faith, Healing, Miracles Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, and Discerning of Spirits. In Session 8 we begin our study of the Motivational Gifts, Prophecy, Teaching, Ministering/Serving/Helps, Giving, Exhortation/Encouragement, Administration/Leadership, and Mercy which reveal the personality of God. To hear an audio recording of the session click the YouTube link at the end of the notes.
Spiritual Gifts we are studying are in:
Romans 12:3-8 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
I Corinthians 12:1-12 NKJV Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-15 NKJV And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ--
Peter mentions them at;
I Peter 4:10-11 NKJV As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
It’s good to remind ourselves of the fact that;
1. Every Christian has one or more spiritual gifts.
2. Spiritual gifts are given at the salvation, but they may lie undiscovered and dormant for a long period of time. Multi-gifted Christians often discover their combination of gifts through a gradual process.
3. Spiritual gifts can be abused and neglected, but if they are received at salvation, it would appear that they cannot be lost.
4. Spiritual gifts are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit, but the fruit of the Spirit, especially love should be the context for their operation.
5. Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents.
6. Gifts are God's spiritual equipment for effective service and edification of the church.
7 Spiritual Gifts without love do not accomplish God's intended purpose.
CATAGORIES:
MINISTRY GIFTS: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher
The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer.
Manifestation Gifts. These are the gifts that serve to reveal the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature. These gifts can be further subdivided into three groups: utterance, power, and revelation.
Utterance - These gifts say something: Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues
Power - These gifts do something: Faith, Healing, Miracles
Revelation - These gifts reveal something: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits
Spiritual Gifts we are studying are in:
Romans 12:3-8 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
I Corinthians 12:1-12 NKJV Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
Ephesians 4:11-15 NKJV And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ--
Peter mentions them at;
I Peter 4:10-11 NKJV As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
It’s good to remind ourselves of the fact that;
1. Every Christian has one or more spiritual gifts.
2. Spiritual gifts are given at the salvation, but they may lie undiscovered and dormant for a long period of time. Multi-gifted Christians often discover their combination of gifts through a gradual process.
3. Spiritual gifts can be abused and neglected, but if they are received at salvation, it would appear that they cannot be lost.
4. Spiritual gifts are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit, but the fruit of the Spirit, especially love should be the context for their operation.
5. Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural talents.
6. Gifts are God's spiritual equipment for effective service and edification of the church.
7 Spiritual Gifts without love do not accomplish God's intended purpose.
CATAGORIES:
MINISTRY GIFTS: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Pastor, Teacher
The ministry gifts serve to reveal the plan of God. They are characteristic of a full-time office or calling, rather than a gift that can function in and through any believer.
Manifestation Gifts. These are the gifts that serve to reveal the power of God. These gifts are supernatural or spiritual in nature. These gifts can be further subdivided into three groups: utterance, power, and revelation.
Utterance - These gifts say something: Prophecy, Speaking in Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues
Power - These gifts do something: Faith, Healing, Miracles
Revelation - These gifts reveal something: Word of Wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits
Motivational Gifts
And the Category of Gifts we are going to start today are the Motivational Gifts
The motivational gifts serve to reveal the personality of God. These gifts are practical in nature. They describe the inner motivations of the Christian servant. They are:
These gifts are mentioned by Paul in a couple of places.
Romans 12:3-8 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
We have talked about the gifts of prophecy and teaching before so unless there are questions or comments we are going to move on the other gifts.
The only things that I’m going to mention about prophecy and teaching is what they are.
The divine enablement to proclaim God’s truth with power and clarity in a timely and culturally sensitive fashion for correction, repentance, or edification.
The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God to the lives of listeners. Teacher explains what the Prophet proclaims.
Ministering/Serving/Helps
I Corinthians 12:28 NKJV And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
The word translated “helps” literally means “to relieve, succor, participate in, and/or support.” Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. This gift has a broad range of applications, from helping individuals with daily chores to assisting in the administration of the affairs of the church.
A working definition is; The special anointing by which one stands alongside and serves, in a very personal way, those leading the Church. The helper knows personally how to serve their needs and can sometimes speak with authority on behalf of an apostle or prophet.
The gift of helps/service is the ability to joyfully work alongside another and help that person complete the task God has given them. People with this gift generally prefer to work behind the scenes. They also tend to find joy in helping alleviate the burdens and responsibilities of others. This gift is usually accompanied with an attitude of humility and sacrifice, as well as an ability to perceive the needs of others.
Helps/Service in Scripture
Matthew 20:27-28 NKJV And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Because servants often work behind the scenes, their work but not their name is often mentioned in Scripture.
Numbers 11:16-17 NKJVSo the Lord said to Moses: “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.
Seven Chosen to Serve
Acts 6:1-6 NKJV Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
People named in the Bible who helped the church through service include Phoebe, Priscilla, Aquila,
Romans 16:1-4 NKJV I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Tryphena, Tryphosa
Romans 16:12 NKJV Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.
And the Category of Gifts we are going to start today are the Motivational Gifts
The motivational gifts serve to reveal the personality of God. These gifts are practical in nature. They describe the inner motivations of the Christian servant. They are:
- Prophecy
- Teaching
- Ministering/Serving/Helps
- Giving
- Exhortation/Encouragement
- Administration/Leadership
- Mercy
These gifts are mentioned by Paul in a couple of places.
Romans 12:3-8 NKJV For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
We have talked about the gifts of prophecy and teaching before so unless there are questions or comments we are going to move on the other gifts.
The only things that I’m going to mention about prophecy and teaching is what they are.
The divine enablement to proclaim God’s truth with power and clarity in a timely and culturally sensitive fashion for correction, repentance, or edification.
The divine enablement to understand, clearly explain, and apply the Word of God to the lives of listeners. Teacher explains what the Prophet proclaims.
Ministering/Serving/Helps
I Corinthians 12:28 NKJV And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
The word translated “helps” literally means “to relieve, succor, participate in, and/or support.” Those with the gift of helps are those who can aid or render assistance to others in the church with compassion and grace. This gift has a broad range of applications, from helping individuals with daily chores to assisting in the administration of the affairs of the church.
A working definition is; The special anointing by which one stands alongside and serves, in a very personal way, those leading the Church. The helper knows personally how to serve their needs and can sometimes speak with authority on behalf of an apostle or prophet.
The gift of helps/service is the ability to joyfully work alongside another and help that person complete the task God has given them. People with this gift generally prefer to work behind the scenes. They also tend to find joy in helping alleviate the burdens and responsibilities of others. This gift is usually accompanied with an attitude of humility and sacrifice, as well as an ability to perceive the needs of others.
- Characteristics: These people are absolutely essential to the life of the church. They are the ones who flow to the obvious needs automatically. They don't need a lot of recognition, just appreciation. They value serving the leaders because they see the value of serving in support of those up front. They are the ultimate team players of Christ's church.
Helps/Service in Scripture
Matthew 20:27-28 NKJV And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
Because servants often work behind the scenes, their work but not their name is often mentioned in Scripture.
Numbers 11:16-17 NKJVSo the Lord said to Moses: “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone.
Seven Chosen to Serve
Acts 6:1-6 NKJV Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.
People named in the Bible who helped the church through service include Phoebe, Priscilla, Aquila,
Romans 16:1-4 NKJV I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Tryphena, Tryphosa
Romans 16:12 NKJV Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.
- Cautions: They can devalue their contribution to the Lord's work, and they may not see their abilities as being a spiritual gift, given by the Holy Spirit. They too, can get frustrated doing their ministry and they may fall into the trap of saying "I just let My light shine for Jesus", when we are all called to speak up as His witnesses and ministers at some point and time.
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